what cars have a v4

[StMariana]

The term "V4" is a common misnomer. You're likely thinking of an inline-four engine, which is the standard four-cylinder engine found in most modern cars. True V4 engines are exceptionally rare in production automobiles. They were used in a handful of European models from the 1960s and 70s, like the Ford Taunus and Saab 96, but are not found in any mainstream new or used cars available in the U.S. today.

The confusion is understandable. A V4 engine has its four cylinders arranged in a "V" shape, similar to a V6 or V8. However, this design is complex and expensive to build for the power output it delivers. The inline-four configuration, where cylinders are in a straight line, is far more cost-effective, compact, and efficient, making it the dominant choice for most vehicles.

If you're looking for a car with a four-cylinder engine, you have an enormous selection. The vast majority of compact sedans, midsize SUVs, and even some full-size trucks use a version of this engine. Here are some prominent examples across different categories:

Vehicle Category	Example Models (with Inline-4 Engines)
Compact Sedans	Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Sedans	Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata
Compact SUVs	Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape
Midsize SUVs	Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Sports Cars	Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Pickup Trucks	Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado

When shopping, you'll see these engines described as "I-4" or simply "4-cylinder." Their performance has improved dramatically with technologies like turbocharging, which forces more air into the engine for greater power without a significant increase in size. For everyday driving, a modern turbocharged inline-four often provides better fuel economy and more than enough power than older, larger engines.

[VonSadie]

Honestly, you won't find a "V4" in anything you can buy off a lot today. That term usually pops up from people mixing it up with the common inline-four. My son was looking at a used Ford Focus and called it a V4—I had to explain the difference. If you want a car with a great four-cylinder, just look at a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry. They're everywhere for a reason: reliable, efficient, and cheap to maintain. Don't get hung up on the "V" part.

[Carlos]

As a gearhead, this is a classic mix-up. True automotive V4 engines are unicorns. They were mostly in old Saabs and some European Fords. The design is cool but was never practical for mass production. What you want is an inline-four. The good news? Modern turbocharged I-4s are fantastic. A Ford Mustang EcoBoost or a Honda Civic Si have more power from a four-cylinder than many V8s did 20 years ago. Focus on the technology inside the engine, not the letter used to describe its shape.

[Zelda]

I work at a dealership, and we hear "V4" all the time from customers. It's just a popular way to say four-cylinder. The key is to ignore the terminology and look at the actual engine specs. For example, a base model Toyota RAV4 has a capable 2.5L inline-four, while the Hyundai Sonata offers a turbocharged 1.6L option. Both are excellent, but the turbo gives you more pep. Your best bet is to test drive a few cars with different four-cylinder engines to feel the difference in power and responsiveness for yourself.

[MacAddyson]

From an engineering standpoint, a V4 configuration presents packaging and cost challenges that the inline-four solves. The inline design uses one cylinder head instead of two, making it simpler, lighter, and cheaper to manufacture. While V4s have seen use in motorcycles and racing, the automotive industry standardized on the inline-four for its balance of efficiency, power, and cost-effectiveness. When you see a four-cylinder car today, you can be certain it's an inline design, which is a superior solution for the vast majority of consumer vehicles.